The speaker hears only the harsh sounds of the sea and waves, with occasional cries from swans and gannets, finding their loud calls amusing in place of games or laughter. Storms batter the stone cliffs, with eagles screaming as they are hit by spray on their wings. The speaker's mind constantly longs to go abroad, to seek refuge in a distant stronghold, as spring brings blossoms, berries, and renewal to the landscape.

1. There I heard naught save the harsh sea And ice-cold wave, at whiles the swan cries, Did for my games the gannet’s clamour, Sea-fowls, loudness was for me laughter, The mew’s singing all my mead-drink.

2. Storms, on the stone-cliffs beaten, fell on the stern In icy feathers; full oft the eagle screamed With spray on his pinion.

6. Moaneth alway my mind’s lust. That I fare forth, that I afar hence Seek out a foreing fastness.

8. Bosque takes blossom, cometh beauty of berries, Fields to fairness, land fares brisker.